13 ways a boring plastic storage container can change the way you organize forever

Plastic storage containers come in every shape and size. Although they are the perfect organizing tool, they aren't necessarily the most attractive solution. People hide them in closets, shove them under beds, carry them to the attic and send them to the basement.
These 13 creative storage solutions reveal the versatility of this simple plastic box. No longer just for storing winter clothes or holiday decorations, these storage container ideas will transform how you organize your home.
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1. Keep things vertical
Baking sheets are often a problem when it comes to kitchen storage. If you lay them flat, then you have to take them all out to get to the one you need. If you stack them, they fall. Jen at A Thousand Words solves her baking sheet dilemma by using a plastic storage container without the lid. It holds everything neatly in place until she's ready to bake.
2. Match any décor with fabric
Everyone can use a bit of extra storage space. Upgrade a cheap plastic bin by covering it with you favorite fabric. No one will ever guess it all started with inexpensive plastic containers.
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3. Steel makeover
If fabric isn't your jam, try this glossy steel makeover by The Chelle Project. It's easy and gives the plastic storage bins a higher-end look. Guests will be fooled when they look at it!
4. Use space wisely
One of the worst things about deep pantry cabinets is reaching to get something at the very back of the shelf. Items get shuffled back and easily lost. By placing plastic storage containers in the shelves, iHeart Organizing creates "drawers" you can easily pull out. The addition of beautiful labels keeps the pantry nicely organized.
5. Fill a dresser
Clear plastic storage containers make the ideal organization solution for craft supplies. Small tools and items find a home – and you can easily find them. Create a beautiful craft organization center by labeling small plastic shoe boxes. They fit perfectly into a repurposed dresser once the drawers are removed. Sew Many Ways did this to create a classy storage solution for her sewing room. She can store 55 plastic shoebox containers in one dresser.
6. Prettify your office organization
With the help of patterned scrap paper and spray paint, you can easily prettify those ugly plastic storage bins. We love the ombre yellow and textures going on in the picture below! Mix and match your favorite patterns for a more dramatic look. Check out the full tutorial at It's Always Autumn.
7. Find things quickly
Clear plastic storage containers let you see what you have and where it is. Add creative labels to storage container drawers for colorful toy storage. Not only does this create an organized playroom, but children easily put toys up when they can see where they belong.
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8. Jazz it up with paint
Dances with Bees loves plastic storage drawers. They provide an efficient way to organize makeup. The only complaint: Plastic storage drawers simply aren't attractive. Armed with paint and stencils, this organizer transformed the plastic containers into a functional and fabulous storage center.
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9. Roll it away
Mix a plastic storage tote, a cute handle and four wheels to create a handy rolling drawer. Filled with blankets, shoes or toys, this adorable drawer is out of sight but easily accessible. The tutorial by Pins and Procrastination suggests you use your new drawer under the bed, but you could roll it under any tall furniture. 
10. Keep the mudroom clean
Shoes naturally pile up at the door. Storage containers can keep them organized and out of the way of traffic. Try using wide storage drawers for extra storage room. Creating custom labels with your children's pictures makes sure everyone knows exactly where their shoes belong.
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11. Put it on a shelf
Storage containers stack amazingly well – maybe even a bit too well. Stacking containers keeps everything organized, but if you want something in the bottom container, you have to unstack. Storing the containers on shelves keeps everything organized and easy to get to. Because storage container sizes remain similar between brands, you don't have to purchase all the totes at once.
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12. Make use of every space
The wide variety of storage container sizes means you can fit them almost anywhere. Take note of those unusual spaces in your home and transform them into a place for storage. Use wire shelving and storage containers to turn the space between joists into an out-of-the-way storage solution. ​
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13. Look up for clever storage
When you think of the spaces in your home you never use, simply look up. The space above the garage door can be just right to hang plastic storage containers full of sports gear, holiday décor and vehicle care essentials. Try using a system, such as the ToteTrac, for hanging the containers and taking back your floor space.
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